The Basic Types of Entry Doors

There are an almost unlimited number of doors out there, so how do you choose entry doors for your Winnipeg, MB home? The best place to start is with the basics. There are a few basic kinds of entry doors, each with their own pros and cons. Read on to learn about these entry doors so you can choose the best ones for your home.

Fiberglass - Fiberglass entry doors are a practical choice. They have a smooth surface that can easily be embossed with a wood-like texture, and can also be made with edge treatments for more personality. Fiberglass doors are pretty tough against wear and tear, and can be painted or stained. They are moderately priced, but can crack under severe impact.

Steel –Steel entry doors take up about half the door market. This is because they are relatively inexpensive and offer better security when compared to fiberglass and wood doors. They require minimal maintenance, and are also very energy efficient. However, steel doors don’t resist weather as well as fiberglass or wood doors, and do not hold up well under abuse laboratory tests that mimic strong winds, torrential rain, or long term wear and tear. It’s also important to keep in mind that steel doors are hard to fix if dented to scratched.

Wood –Wood is the high-end material that other doors always try to mimic. They are the toughest in the face of wear and tear, and are the least likely of all door materials to dent. If they do dent or scratch, they’re relatively easy to repair. Wood doors, though, can be very expensive. They also require lots of maintenance to look their best.

Once you pick an entry door type you get to choose the features. Some common entry door features are:

Adjustable thresholds help keep the door weather and water tight over time. Without an adjustable threshold you may need to add a new sweep over time.

Glass inserts are an easy way to personalize your entry door. Though glass inserts add to the overall cost, they are always attractive. If you add glass close to the door’s lock, think about adding a double cylinder dead bolt for extra security so a burglar can’t just break the glass to get in. You can also add glass to the top or center of an entry door.

Rails and Stiles are the horizontal and vertical braces on a wood door. Solid wood models may bow or warp over time, so its important to look for rails and stiles made from laminated wood covered with a veneer for extra warping resistance.

If you want to learn more about the above entry door types of features, or have any other entry door questions, Pioneer Window & Door Mfg Ltd. We offer many Winnipeg, MB entry door services, and would be happy to help you in any way we can. Visit our showroom located at 3224 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y8, or give us a call at (204) 889-8422 today for more information.